UKZN’s Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences celebrated the graduation of Ms Zahrah Ebrahim, who obtained her Master’s degree in Sport Science for pioneering research aimed at improving water safety for children across South Africa.
Ebrahim’s dissertation, supervised by Professor Rowena Naidoo, focused on developing guidelines for a Water Safety Training Manual for Foundation Phase educators – specifically designed for schools without access to swimming facilities. Her study, titled: ‘Developing Guidelines for a Water Safety Training Manual for Public School Educators, Focusing on Land-Based Training Methods with Essential Water Skills for Grades 1-3’, addresses a critical gap in South Africa’s education system.
Drowning remains one of the top five causes of unintentional injury-related deaths in the country, with young children particularly at risk. Yet, the national Foundation Phase curriculum does not currently include structured water safety education. Ebrahim’s manual, validated by a diverse panel of 30 experts with an overwhelming 95.23% consensus, offers educators a practical and cost-effective solution to instilling essential safety knowledge in young learners.
“This study is not only an academic achievement but also a contribution to saving children’s lives,” Ebrahim said. “Knowing that my work can help schools without swimming facilities empower learners with vital safety skills gives me a deep sense of purpose. It proves that research is not just about theory, it’s about impact.”
The manual has been endorsed as clear, relevant, and feasible for classroom use. By equipping educators with evidence-based, land-based training methods, Ebrahim’s work paves the way for national adoption and could significantly reduce childhood drownings in resource-limited settings.
Originally from Pietermaritzburg and now based in Durban, Ebrahim has pursued her academic journey at UKZN from undergraduate through to master’s level. Alongside her studies, she has served as a coach, practical demonstrator, and community mentor, balancing her academic pursuits with broader personal responsibilities.
Reflecting on her journey, she credited the support of her family, friends, supervisor, and even unexpected sources of encouragement – from neighbours to members of her local cardiac rehabilitation class – for motivating her through challenges.
Currently a doctoral candidate in Exercise Science at UKZN, Ebrahim remains committed to research, teaching, and community impact.
